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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Chinese in the Castro
Best Chinese in the Castro
Master Critic Review
Hulu Wa China Bistro
7.9
Casual Castro bistro serving dim sum staples alongside American-Chinese favorites with later weekend hours. Portions are solid, pricing is fair, and it’s a convenient pickup spot after concerts on Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shumai, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Beef Chow Fun
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Dim sum plus Chinese-American crowd-pleasers served later on weekends.
Who should go: Casual groups wanting mix-and-match plates
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 9pm to catch late kitchen hours
What to order: Shumai, beef chow fun, honey walnut shrimp
Insider tip: Call ahead for wait times; late seatings move quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Market and 16th; typically open spots after 8pm but scarce before.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; anything from jeans and tees to casual date-night wear fits fine.
Noise level: Moderate; buzz from groups and music but still possible to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes after 9pm; earlier hours busier with neighborhood diners.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits; plenty of seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu, vegetable chow fun, and dim sum vegetable dumplings available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be modified if you ask to skip oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice-based dishes like fried rice and steamed proteins are safest bets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more of a casual comfort spot than a romantic one—great for an easy bite after a show, less ideal for a dressy night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are welcome and typical, especially later at night when turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly portions and mild dishes make it fine for kids, though late hours skew more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Chinese comfort food in the Castro when others have closed; solid mix of dim sum and American-style classics.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale dining or strictly regional Chinese cuisine; this is more neighborhood casual than destination dining.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday4pm - 9:30pm
Sunday4pm - 9:30pm